Unprecedented
changes have taken place in the structure of the two organizations
responsible for supporting the needs of the University of
Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).
The Virginia Engineering Foundation
(VEF) and its governing board were established in 1953,
to aid and promote engineering and research at SEAS. In
the early 90's, the Dean's Advisory Council (DAC) was established
to provide strategic advice and guidance to the dean on
matters related to academics. The two organizations worked
independently for many years in support of the Engineering
School.
Recent transitions in the Office of the Dean and in the
Foundation invited an opportunity to explore ways in which
the support structure for the School might be improved.
After considerable deliberation and consultation, a new
organization has emerged that combines the functions of
both the VEF Board and the DAC - the SEAS Trustees.
This new SEAS Trustees organization is charged with providing
the backbone of support to the Engineering School by advising
the dean on issues related to strategic planning, development,
and promotion. The SEAS Trustees will provide advice on
academics, development, communications, and finance, and
will serve as the governing body of the Virginia Engineering
Foundation, which will continue to serve as the development
organization for the School.
The SEAS Trustees will work to provide opportunities for
alumni and friends to become more engaged in the Engineering
School and will work within the University structure to
ensure that the School remains an effective, collaborative
partner in the wider University community.
The organization also will assist in acquiring the financial
resources that are essential to the School, through the
creation and support of development programs and campaigns.
"It makes perfect sense that the folks who are helping
us dream of what the Engineering School can be will be the
same individuals who are distinctly involved in helping
us figure out how we can afford to do what we must,"
says James Aylor, interim dean of the School.
The SEAS Trustees structure includes four primary boards
focused individually on academics, communications, finance,
and development. In addition, several standing committees
have been established to address ongoing concerns (e.g.,
strategic planning and facilities).
"These changes are very important to the School,"
according to SEAS Trustees president Doug Garson. "In
the world of today, it is essential that we look at the
total needs of the School: academic, strategic, financial,
and communications. And it is essential that we attract
people with the interest, influence and ability to make
a difference for the School. This new organization makes
that possible."
The Academic Board will serve to enhance the stature of
the Engineering School by providing high-level guidance
and assistance on curriculum issues, academic strategy and
specific departmental initiatives. The Finance Board will
oversee the financial activities of the VEF and serve in
an advisory capacity on the School's finances. The Communications
Board will provide strategic advice on plans for raising
awareness of the excellence, breadth, and unique qualities
of SEAS to all constituencies within and outside the University.
And the Development Board will recommend, oversee, and evaluate
the development policies and programs required for SEAS
to accomplish its goals.
"The structure of the SEAS Trustees will allow for
a deeper involvement than was possible under the DAC or
the VEF board. The Facilities Committee, for instance, will
monitor improvements in current structures and will actively
participate in the planning and construction phases of new
facilities. This is of great importance today as the Foundation
endeavors to raise funds for the completion of Wilsdorf
Hall, and new Information Technology Engineering (ITE) and
Biomedical Engineering buildings," says Garson.
Add to all of this the arrival
of Nancy J. Cable, Ph.D., as the Engineering School's
Associate Dean for Development and Virginia Engineering
Foundation Vice President for Development and you have a
structure that virtually guarantees the Engineering School's
success in the challenging years ahead.
Cable is currently Vice President and Dean of Admission
and Financial Aid at Davidson College, with professional
experience that includes a comprehensive background in admissions,
recruitment, financial aid, marketing, publications, and
development. She arrives at the University in April and
will lead the development efforts for the School.
Cable is enthusiastic about the challenges ahead. "I
am very pleased to join the University and the Engineering
School and to work with the SEAS Trustees, the VEF staff,
and the Engineering School's faculty and administration
to outline the steps necessary for the School to succeed
in the years ahead. As a graduate of the University, I especially
look forward to engaging with individuals and organizations
who are interested in supporting the quality of education
and research at the School and at the University,"
says Cable.
"These are very exciting times," Dean Aylor reports.
"Unprecedented opportunities are in front of us, and
with the support of the SEAS Trustees, the Foundation, and
our excellent faculty and staff, the Engineering School
is in very good shape to move through the years ahead with
our place assured as a top-quality institution of engineering
education and research."
Contact:
Josie Loyd
Phone: 434.924.1381
Email: jpp4j@virginia.edu
